Denver police say they have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a Friday shooting that left another person in the hospital, a case that is raising more questions than answers so far. The department identified the suspect as Rashard Cannady and said he is being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder. Officials have not released where the shooting happened or the condition of the injured person, and they say the investigation is still very much active.
Police posted arrest update on X
In an update posted to X on June 19, the Denver Police Department said officers arrested Cannady and that he "is being held for investigation of attempted first degree murder," and that a second party was found and taken to a hospital, according to the Denver Police Department. The department also shared its non-emergency number for tips and noted that investigators were still processing the scene. The post stopped short of providing booking details or explaining what is believed to have led up to the gunfire.
What attempted first-degree murder means in Colorado
Under Colorado law, prosecutors must show that a defendant acted with the intent to kill after deliberation. Attempted first-degree murder is charged as an effort to commit that offense and is handled accordingly. The law centers on proving intent and a substantial step toward the killing beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Colorado Revised Statutes. Any formal charges and potential penalties will hinge on the evidence and how the Denver District Attorney's Office chooses to move forward.
Investigation and next steps
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that prosecutors will review the case before any formal charges are filed. The Denver District Attorney's Office notes that filing a charge is a formal accusation and that defendants are presumed innocent, according to the Denver District Attorney's Office. Anyone with information is asked to call the Denver Police non-emergency line at 720-913-2000, per the City and County of Denver. Police media relations have not provided details beyond what the department already posted on X.
Local context
The arrest comes amid a run of high-profile shootings in Denver this spring, including a downtown shooting in April that drew a heavy response from law enforcement. That earlier downtown incident was reported in Hoodline coverage of the LoDo ballpark block shooting. City officials have urged anyone with video, tips or other information to share it with investigators as the department continues its broader efforts.
